The LIS Discipline or Retrieval Of Information: A Theoretical Viewpoint

Abstract

In this article the author argues that LIS has suffered from lack of theoretical foundation. Recently many experts have tried to find a theoretical basis for the subject. Nevertheless they are not satisfied yet and they have not achieved to a consensus. The author argues that it is because they stood on a wrong foot. Content analysis is the main approach to this paper. The author believes that there may be found a powerful theoretical basis for LIS through the retrieval of information and knowledge. The value of this argument is that LIS may obtain a good basis on subject, problems and principles. The author although has had a definition which is newly published (2008) now has changed his mind and proposed a new one. He argues that according to traditional teachings that every scientific discipline must bear a subject, objective and problems, with this new definition all are present and can be well justified.

Is there any viable definition for LIS discipline?

“…If we accept that the main duty of the librarian and information specialist is to retrieve information or knowledge which already exists, just like anyone who learns and then memorizes in order to retrieve, many problems in this field may be alleviated. The author (Fadaie, 2009) has a new definition for this discipline and has stated it in an article named: The LIS Discipline or Retrieval of Information: a Theoretical Viewpoint. He also emphasizes on indexing, with the three functions of condensing the information in a document, providing a bridge between the author and the researcher, and acting as an instrument that governs search strategy (Bloomfield, 2001).…”

Changing the Approach: Library and Information Science (LIS) Weaknesses Will Turn into Strength

“…The author believes that if we change our way of looking at LIS, many problems will vanish and many weaknesses will perish. I have discussed in my previous articles (Fadaie, 2008;2009) that changing the approach will bring a new and strong identity to LIS. I have showed that concept of LIS is not derived from the concept of library as a physical or digital place; rather it is the concept of LIS as information retrieval needs of humans that make people to create library or information center.…”

“…And this cannot be achieved except with retrieving the correct information. Here by retrieving I consider classification as its prerequisite function (Fadaie, 2009)…”

“…In this definition, all other related domains belong to main theme, i.e. retrieval of information (Fadaie, 2009). Based upon such a concept, I do not think that existence of small and big institu-Fadaie tions or some functionally different ones in this field would harm the LIS position due to fragmentation.…”